Recently we were blessed to be taught in a mission training session lead by a general authority of the church. I will not say who it was so that I can avoid the possibility of misquoting him or giving any mis-information that could be attributed to him, but needless to say, it was a very instructive and delightful experience. He taught using this method and so afterwards, I summarized my impressions of the process and outline it here, including my own comments and added scriptures.
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Teaching by the Spirit
Purpose: Every encounter in our walk in life should be left in an improved condition.
There are times for preaching and times for teaching. the formality of the situation determines which. Most of our encounters with individuals or groups are teaching situations, however, both are potentially positive.
The Savior shows us the way to be instruments of bringing about improved conditions in any encounter, whether it be preaching or teaching.
The first important requirement is preparation. We need to be always studying, praying and preparing spiritually for this. As the occasion arises (encounters with people), these are the steps:
1. Invite the other (or others) to make an observation based either on what you have just said or what has been observed.
2. Based on that observation, present related idea, scripture, etc. (as directed by the spirit)and then ask an inspired question, leading the person to make another observation.
3. Continue the process (step 2) following the direction of the spirit, based on your previously prepared lesson plan (if there was an opportunity for that), or simply as inspiration comes.
As you are prepared, the Spirit of the Lord with direct you to ask these inspired questions. They should never lead to parroting back something just said, or requiring them to read your mind to come up with some answer you already have in mind. It should lead them to think and ponder and bring back an answer that comes from their heart.
An important component of this process is the need for "stillness." It often feels like, if there is silence, that someone needs to say something. Often, silence can be filled with the spirit, allowing for true teaching. The spoken word can often interrupt that process. Allow stillness to happen. It has a powerful effect.
Other considerations and thoughts:
When you have an anticipated encounter (or teaching situation), prepare some points to be presented and some possible questions that lead the discussion, but also know that the Spirit may lead you in unanticipated directions, based on the answers you receive.
Realize that in every situation, we all learn, whether we are in the "leading" position or not. The person, or persons, you interact with are not "objects" to be controlled, but rather "agents" who act for themselves. Lead them to act.
D&C 88:122 Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.
All (including ourselves) need to be kept on equal grounds. Anything else is of the adversary.
Alma 30:7 Now there was no law against a man's belief; for it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds.
Respect anything that the other person says, but be ready to lead them to higher thinking as guided by the spirit.
In preparation, be ready to present scripture passages and inspired stories (e.g. parables) to inspire thought conducive to spiritual progress.
